Article II — Establishment of Zones, and Limiting the Uses of Land Therein
Norwalk Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Norwalk
§ 17.01.070. Names of zones—Zoning symbols.¶
In order to classify, regulate, restrict and segregate the uses of land and buildings, to regulate and restrict the height and bulk of buildings, and, to regulate the area of yards and other open spaces about buildings, and to regulate the density of population, the following zoning classifications are established by this title:
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Zoning
Chapter Symbol Designation
17.03.210 SD 1 Special Sign District No. 01
17.08, Art. II PF Public Facilities Zone
17.08, Art. III O-S Open-Space Zone
17.05, Art. I R-1 Single-Family Residential Zone
17.05, Art. II R-2 Multifamily Medium Density Residential Zone
17.05, Art. III R-3 Multifamily High Density Residential Zone
17.05, Art. IV R-H Residential-Horse Property Zone
17.06, Art. I C-1 Restricted Commercial Zone
17.06, Art. IV C&O Commercial and Office Zone
17.06, Art. V P/O Professional/Office Zone
17.06, Art. II C-3 General Commercial Zone
17.06, Art. III C-M Commercial-Manufacturing Zone
17.07, Art. I M-1 Light Manufacturing Zone
17.07, Art. II M-2 Heavy Manufacturing Zone
17.09, Art. I SPA 1 Specific Plan Area No. 1, Hotel/Office/Accessory Commercial
Zone
17.09, Art. II SPA 2 Specific Plan Area No. 2,. Multiple-Family Residential Zone
17.09, Art. III SPA 3 Specific Plan Area No. 3,Multiple-Family Residential and
Commercial Zone
17.09, Art. IV SPA 4 Specific Plan Area No. 4, Townhouse Condominiums and
Accessory Uses Zone
17.09, Art. V SPA 5 Specific Plan Area No. 5, Multiple-Family Residential Zone
17.09, Art. VI SPA 6 Specific Plan Area No. 6, Multiple-Family Residential Zone
17.09, Art. VII SPA 7 Specific Plan Area No. 7, Townhouse Condominiums and
Accessory Uses Zone
17.09, Art. VIII SPA 8 Specific Plan Area No. 8, Commercial Office Zone
17.09, Art. IX SPA 9 Specific Plan Area No. 9, High Density Residential
Condominiums Town Homes
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City of Norwalk, CA
NORWALK CODE
§ 17.01.070
§ 17.01.100
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Zoning
Chapter Symbol Designation
17.09, Art. X SPA 10 Specific Plan Area No. 10, High Density Residential
Apartments
17.09, Art. XI SPA 11 Specific Plan Area No. 11, High Density Residential
Condominiums-Apartments
17.09, Art. XII SPA 12 Specific Plan Area No. 12, Norwalk Mini-Storage Facility
17.09, Art. XIII SPA 13 Specific Plan Area No. 13, Commercial Office and Hotel Zone
17.09, Art. XIV SPA 14 Specific Plan Area No. 14, High Density Residential
Apartments
17.09, Art. XV SPA 15 Specific Plan Area No. 15, Light Industrial, Neighborhood
Commercial and Open Space Zone
17.10, Art. I Planned Unit Development Zone
17.10, Art. II Planned Unit Development Zone No. 1, High Density
Residential Apartments
17.10, Art. III Planned Unit Development Zone No. 2, High Density
Residential Senior Citizens Apartments with Ancillary
Commercial Uses
17.10, Art. IV Planned Unit Development Zone No. 3, High Density
Residential Senior Citizen Housing Community
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(Prior code § 27-2.1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2; Ord. 23-1744, 12/5/2023; Ord. 24-1750, 10/1/2024)
§ 17.01.080. Establishment of zones by maps.¶
The location and boundaries of the various zones are as shown and delineated on the official zoning map which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and which by this reference is adopted and made a part of this code as if herein set forth in full; or by legal description in the ordinance adopting the zoning of any area.
(Prior code § 27-2.2; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
§ 17.01.090. Changes in boundaries.¶
Changes in the boundaries of the zones shall be made by ordinance adopting an amended zoning map, or part of the zoning map, or unit of a part of the zoning map, or by ordinance describing the area rezoned.
(Prior code § 27-2.3; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
§ 17.01.100. Uncertainty of boundaries.¶
Where uncertainty exists as to boundaries of any zone shown upon a zoning map or any part or unit thereof, the following rules for determination shall apply:
A. Where such boundaries are indicated as approximately following particular street and alley lines or lot lines, such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.
B. In the case of unsubdivided property, and where a zone boundary divides a lot, the location
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City of Norwalk, CA
ZONING
§ 17.01.100
§ 17.01.140
of such boundaries, unless the same are indicated by dimensions or legal description, shall be determined by use of the scale appearing on the zoning map.
C. Where a public street or alley or any portion of a public street or alley is vacated or abandoned, the area comprising such vacated street or alley or portion thereof shall acquire the respective classifications of the abutting properties to which it reverts.
D. Areas of dedicated streets or alleys and railroad rights-of-way, other than such as are designated on the zoning map as being classified in one of the zones provided in this title, shall be deemed to be unclassified and, in the case of streets, permitted to be used only for purposes lawfully allowed and, in the case of railroad rights-of-way, permitted to be used solely for the purpose of accommodating tracks, signals, other operative devices and the movement of rolling stock.
E. Where uncertainties exist, the Commission may, by written decision, determine the location of a boundary, applying the rules stated herein wherever applicable.
(Prior code § 27-2.4; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
§ 17.01.110. Limitation of land use.¶
Except as provided in this title, no building shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed or structurally altered, nor shall any building or land be used for any purpose except as hereinafter specifically permitted in the zone in which such building or land is located. (Prior code § 27-2.5; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
§ 17.01.120. Definition of numbers following or preceding zoning symbols.¶
The minimum area of any lot or parcel of land or the minimum width of any lot or parcel of land, in any zone, may be established as different from that prescribed in the chapter describing the classification of the zone by the designating of such different area or width upon an official zoning map. The density (number of permitted dwelling units per acre) may be designated on maps and in texts as provided in subsection C of this section:
A. Where a number follows the zoning symbol, it shall mean the following areas:
The number of square feet if such number is greater than 100.
The number of acres if the number is less than 100.
B. Where a number precedes the zoning symbol, it shall mean the minimum permitted lot or parcel width in feet.
C. Where (00/AC) follows the zoning symbol, the number preceding /ac designates the maximum number of dwelling units permitted per acre.
(Prior code § 27-2.6; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
§ 17.01.130. Designation of overlay zones.¶
Whenever any area is placed in an overlay zone, the zoning symbol indicating the overlay zoning classification shall follow and be separated by a hyphen from the zoning symbol (including a number indicating minimum area) indicating the underlying zoning classification. (Prior code § 27-2.7; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
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City of Norwalk, CA § 17.01.140
NORWALK CODE
§ 17.01.160
§ 17.01.140. Official zoning map—Filing.¶
Copies of official zoning maps, certified by the City Clerk, shall be filed with the City Clerk and shall constitute a portion of the official record.
(Prior code § 27-2.8; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
§ 17.01.150. Amendments and changes to the zoning maps.¶
Amendments and changes to the official zoning maps shall be shown on official copies of the official zoning map in use by the Planning Commission and Building Official, within 30 days after such amendments or changes are effective. (Prior code § 27-2.9; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
§ 17.01.160. Zoning of annexed areas.¶
All land or territory annexed to the City shall, upon completion of annexation proceedings, continue to be classified in the same zone classification as it had immediately prior to annexation, except as herein otherwise provided, if such zone classification exists in this title. The official zoning maps shall thereupon be amended to indicate such land in its existing zone without additional procedure. If such zone classification does not exist in this title or if the Commission and Council determine as a part of the annexation proceedings that such existing zone is not appropriate, the Commission or Council shall initiate proceedings as provided in Section 17.02.290. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the right of the Council or Commission to change such zone classification of annexed territory at any later date. (Prior code § 27-2.10; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)
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City of Norwalk, CA
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Norwalk Municipal Code
- Title 1
- Title 2
- Chapter 2.08 — CITY COUNCIL
- Chapter 2.09 — CAMPAIGN FINANCE DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS AND STAT…
- Chapter 2.10
- Chapter 2.12 — OFFICERS BONDS
- Chapter 2.16 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.18 — HOUSING AND BUILDING LOCAL APPEALS BOARD
- Chapter 2.20 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
- Chapter 2.24 — PERSONNEL SYSTEM
- Title 3
- Chapter 3.16 — PURCHASING SYSTEM
- Chapter 3.28 — Chapter 3.32 UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE UNIFOR…
- Chapter 3.04 — FISCAL PROCEDURES AND BUDGETING
- Chapter 3.08 — FUNDS
- Chapter 3.12 — CLAIMS AND DEMANDS AGAINST CITY
- Chapter 3.16 — PURCHASING SYSTEM
- Chapter 3.17 — PUBLIC PROJECTS
- Chapter 3.20 — BIDDING PROCEDURES
- Chapter 3.21
- Chapter 3.24 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.28 — UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.30 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.32 — UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.40
- Chapter 3.42 — APPROVAL AND EXECUTION OF CONTRACTS
- Title 5
- Chapter 5.60 — MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS REGULATIONS
- Chapter 5.04 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 5.08 — BUSINESS LICENSES GENERALLY
- Chapter 5.12 — AMUSEMENT AND ENTERTAINMENT
- Chapter 5.16 — AUTOMOBILE REPOSSESSION
- Chapter 5.20 — BINGO
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II
- Article III — Open Video Systems
- Article IV
- Article V — Definitions
- Article VI
- Chapter 5.28 — SPECIAL EVENTS AND BUSINESS EVENTS
- Chapter 5.32 — ESCORT BUREAUS
- Chapter 5.40 — MOTION PICTURES AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION
- Chapter 5.44
- Chapter 5.48 — PUBLIC DANCING, DANCE HALLS AND DANCE CLUBS
- Chapter 5.52
- Article I — Purpose and Definitions
- Article II — Massage Establishment Permit
- Article III — Massage Technician Permit
- Article IV
- Chapter 5.56 — VEHICLES FOR HIRE
- Article I — Alcoholic Beverages
- Article II — Billiard Rooms and Pool Halls
- Article IV — Cocktail Lounges and Bars
- Article V — Handbill Distribution
- Article VI — Fortunetelling Activities
- Chapter 5.64 — SIDEWALK VENDING
- Title 6
- Chapter 6.12 — ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS GENERALLY
- Chapter 6.04 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 6.08 — DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL
- Chapter 6.12 — ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS GENERALLY
- Chapter 6.28 — DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS ANIMALS
- Title 8
- Chapter 8.52 — WATER CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 8.04 — COUNTY HEALTH CODE ADOPTED
- Chapter 8.08 — PUBLIC HEALTH LICENSES REGULATION ADOPTED
- Chapter 8.12 — ABANDONED AND INOPERABLE VEHICLES
- Chapter 8.16 — CAPPING OF ABANDONED WELLS
- Chapter 8.24 — GRAFFITI REMOVAL
- Chapter 8.28 — LITTER AND WEED CONTROL
- Chapter 8.32 — OBSCENE FILMS AND MOTION PICTURES
- Chapter 8.36 — PROPERTY NUISANCES
- Chapter 8.40 — SHOPPING CART IMPOUND
- Chapter 8.44 — PROHIBITION ON SMOKING IN PUBLIC RECREATIONAL A…
- Article I — In General
- Article III — Collector Agreement
- Article IV — Rates
- Article VII
- Article VIII — Residential Collection and Recycling
- Article IX — Commercial/Industrial Collection
- Article X
- Chapter 8.50 — ORGANIC WASTE DISPOSAL REDUCTION
- Chapter 8.52
- Chapter 8.56 — VACANT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND SECURITY REQUIR…
- Chapter 8.60
- Title 9
- Chapter 9.04 — OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND DECENCY
- Article II — Gambling and Certain Games
- Article IV — Fees for the Use of Sheriff Personnel
- Article V — Peddling Near Schools
- Article VI — Newsracks
- Chapter 9.08 — OFFENSES AGAINST PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.12 — CONSUMER PROTECTION
- Chapter 9.14 — GRAFFITI REDUCTION AND PREVENTION
- Chapter 9.16 — OFFENSES BY OR AGAINST MINORS
- Chapter 9.20 — CURFEW
- Chapter 9.24 — WEAPONS
- Chapter 9.26 — BAN ON SELF-SERVICE TOBACCO DISPLAYS
- Chapter 9.28
- Chapter 9.29 — CITY SKATE PARK FACILITIES
- Chapter 9.30 — SPEED CONTESTS OR EXHIBITIONS OF SPEED
- Chapter 9.31
- Title 10
- Chapter 10.12 — RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKING
- Chapter 10.16 — VEHICLE IMPOUND AND STORAGE FEES
- Chapter 10.04 — COUNTY TRAFFIC CODE ADOPTED
- Chapter 10.08 — PARKING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 10.09 — PARKING REGULATIONS FOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLES …
- Chapter 10.10
- Chapter 10.12 — RESIDENTIAL PREFERENTIAL PARKING
- Chapter 10.16 — VEHICLE IMPOUND AND STORAGE FEES
- Title 12
- Chapter 12.24 — NEWSRACKS
- Chapter 12.04 — IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS
- Chapter 12.08 — CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
- Article II — Alterations
- Article III — Painting Street and House Numbers
- Chapter 12.16 — OBSTRUCTIONS
- Chapter 12.20 — ENCROACHMENTS
- Chapter 12.24 — NEWSRACKS
- Chapter 12.28 — STREET VACATION
- Chapter 12.32 — TREES AND SHRUBS
- Chapter 12.36 — PARADES, ATHLETIC EVENTS AND ASSEMBLIES
- Chapter 12.40 — RECREATION AND PARKS
- Chapter 12.44 — CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Chapter 12.48
- Title 13
- Chapter 13.12 — COUNTY SANITARY SEWER AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE ORD…
- Article I — Administration of City Water Department
- Article II — Application for Water Service
- Article III — Installation, Maintenance and Inspection
- Article IV
- Article V
- Chapter 13.08 — CROSS CONNECTIONS
- Chapter 13.12
- Chapter 13.16 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY FACILITIES
- Article I — General Provisions and Definitions
- Article III
- Chapter 13.24 — REIMBURSEMENT FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS
- Title 15
- Chapter 15.04 — BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.10 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
- Chapter 15.04 — BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.06 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
- Chapter 15.08 — FIRE CODE
- Chapter 15.10 — WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE
- Chapter 15.12 — PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 15.16 — ELECTRICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.20 — SWIMMING POOL CODE
- Chapter 15.24 — MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 15.26 — ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 15.28 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 15.30 — GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
- Chapter 15.32 — ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
- Chapter 15.36 — HOUSE NUMBERING
- Chapter 15.40 — STREET DEDICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 15.44 — ART IN PUBLIC PLACES PROGRAM
- Chapter 15.48 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 15.52 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEMS
- Chapter 15.54 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
- Title 16
- Chapter 16.01 — ADMINISTRATION
- Article II — Enforcement
- Article III — Vesting Tentative Map
- Article I — Exemptions and Waivers
- Chapter 16.03 — DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Article V
- Article VI — Voluntary Lot Mergers
- Article VII — Required Merger of Parcels
- Article I — Definitions and General Provisions
- Article I — Exemptions and Waivers
- Article II — Tentative Maps, Filing and Review Procedures
- Article III — Vesting Tentative Map
- Article IV — Final Maps
- Article V — Lot Line Adjustment
- Article VII — Required Merger of Parcels
- Article I — Dedications
- Title 17
- Chapter 17.05 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
- Article VI
- Chapter 17.06 — COMMERCIAL ZONES
- Chapter 17.07 — MANUFACTURING ZONES
- Chapter 17.08 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
- Chapter 17.09 — SPECIFIC PLAN AREAS
- Article I — Specific Plan Area No. 1
- Article XII
- Article XIV — Specific Plan Area No. 14
- Article XV — Specific Plan Area No. 15
- Chapter 17.01 — ADMINISTRATION
- Article II — Establishment of Zones, and Limiting the Uses of …
- Article III — Permits, Licenses and Violations
- Article IV — Nonconforming Buildings and Uses
- Article I — Procedure, Hearing, Notices
- Article II — Consistency with Hazardous Waste Management Plan
- Article III — Acquisition and Use of Public-Owned Property
- Article IV — Administrative Approvals and Permits
- Article V — Discretionary Approvals and Permits
- Chapter 17.03 — DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Article II — Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements
- Article III — Signs
- Article IV — Structural and Site Requirements
- Article 0
- Article I — Specific Uses in Any Zone
- Article II — Specific Uses in Commercial and/or Manufacturing …
- Article III — Specific Uses in Residential Zones
- Article IV — Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
- Article V — General Standards
- Article VI — Mixed Use Developments
- Chapter 17.05 — RESIDENTIAL ZONES
- Article II — R-2 Zone, Multi-Family Medium Density Residential…
- Article III — R-3 Zone, Multi-Family High Density Residential …
- Article IV — R-H Zone, Residential Horse Property Zone
- Article V — R-4 Zone, Multi-Family High Density Residential Zone
- Chapter 17.06 — COMMERCIAL ZONES
- Article II — C-3 Zone, General Commercial Zone
- Article III — C-M Zone, Commercial Manufacturing Zone
- Article IV — C and O Zone, Commercial and Office Zone
- Article V — P/O Zone, Professional/Office Zone
- Chapter 17.07 — MANUFACTURING ZONES
- Article II — M-2 Zone, Heavy Manufacturing Zone
- Chapter 17.08 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES
- Article II — P-F Zone, Public Facilities Overlay Zone
- Article III — O-S Zone, Open-Space Zone
- Article IV — I Zone, Institutional Zone
- Article V — L-W Overlay Zone, Live-Work Overlay Zone
- Article I — Specific Plan Area No. 1
- Article II — Specific Plan Area No. 2
- Article III — Specific Plan Area No. 3
- Article IV — Specific Plan Area No. 4
- Article V — Specific Plan Area No. 5
- Article VI — Specific Plan Area No. 6
- Article VII — Specific Plan Area No. 7
- Article VIII — Specific Plan Area No. 8
- Article IX — Specific Plan Area No. 9
- Article X — Specific Plan Area No. 10
- Article XI — Specific Plan Area No. 11
- Article XII — Specific Plan Area No. 12
- Article XIII — Specific Plan Area No. 13
- Article XIV — Specific Plan Area No. 14
- Article XV — Specific Plan Area No. 15
- Chapter 17.10 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT ZONES
- Article II — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 1
- Article III — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 2
- Article IV — Planned Unit Development Zone No. 3
- Chapter 17.11 — ZONING APPENDICES
- Title 18
- Chapter 18.04 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONTROL
- Title PCT
- Title OL